Tolerance is an obligation in Islamic thought

Al Etihad

2 days ago

20 July 2025 22:56
By Imam Tawhidi*
Tolerance is not something peripheral in Islam. It is deeply rooted in our foundational texts and central to the way we understand our faith. When we turn to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), we find that tolerance is a principle woven throughout the very message of Islam. It reflects our religion's emphasis on justice, compassion, mercy, and respect for diversity. These are not simply moral aspirations; they are obligations placed upon us, guiding how we interact with others both within and outside our community. The meaning of tolerance is broad and multifaceted, encompassing religious, social, political, and cultural dimensions. It provides a holistic framework for coexistence with individuals of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. And importantly, tolerance in Islam is not about passivity or indifference. It is about active engagement, meeting others with integrity, extending to them the dignity we expect for ourselves, and creating space for dialogue and mutual respect. This, to me, is one of the most beautiful expressions of Islam.One of the most compelling foundations of tolerance in Islam lies in the Quranic verse: "There is no compulsion in religion" (Quran 2:256). This verse plays a significant role in the formulation of Islamic jurisprudence in the fields of tolerance and coexistence as it unequivocally establishes the principle that belief in Islam cannot be coerced and that individuals must have the freedom to choose their faith. This message echoes throughout Islamic teachings. Forcing someone to accept a belief undermines the essence of genuine faith, which must be rooted in sincerity and understanding. This verse, and like many others, aims to demonstrate the Quranic principle of recognising human diversity, which is seen as a deliberate creation by Allah Almighty. The life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad serve as a key source of guidance on the principle of tolerance. The Prophet's interactions with people of different religions, cultures, and social statuses provide numerous examples of how tolerance and coexistence were practical realities in society. One of the most notable instances of this is the Constitution of Medina, established by the Prophet after his migration to Medina in 622 CE. This document, often considered the first written constitution in history, laid the foundation for a pluralistic society in which Muslims, Jews, Christians, and polytheists coexisted peacefully. It guaranteed religious freedom, protection, and equal rights for all. It is a testament to how Prophet Mohammad fostered a sense of community that transcended religious differences while promoting justice, compassion, and mutual respect as the basis for coexistence.The Prophet's commitment to tolerance can be seen in his treatment of the Christians of Najran. When a delegation from Najran visited Medina to discuss religious matters, the Prophet not only welcomed them with respect but also allowed them to perform their religious rituals in his mosque. The Prophet's farewell sermon, delivered during his final pilgrimage, further encapsulates the essence of tolerance in Islamic teachings. In this sermon, he emphasised the sanctity of human life, property, and honour, declaring: "All of mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action." This is the prophetic methodology for establishing absolute equality and the unity of humanity, reinforcing the idea that differences among people should never be a basis for discrimination or animosity.Imam Ali's profound statement - "A person is either your brother in faith, or your equal in humanity" - is a timeless declaration that summarises the essence of universal brotherhood, empathy, and respect for human dignity. It emphasises that every individual is deserving of compassion and equitable treatment. The significance of the statement is even more pronounced in our contemporary era, where the world is increasingly interconnected, but divisions and conflicts persist, based on religion, race, and nationality.If we were to internalise and implement this ethos, societies could build bridges of mutual respect and solidarity and create an environment where every person is valued, protected, and included. And in the end, that's what most humans want - not perfection, but a life lived with dignity, understanding, and peace. The UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, understood this enduring truth and thus made the values of tolerance and coexistence the cornerstone in building the UAE as a model for promoting a culture of coexistence and mutual respect on the global stage.
*The columnist is a Parliamentary Advisor and Research Partner with TRENDS Research & Advisory